Cameras to replace people in fire lookout towers

38 seasonal workers losing jobs

Fire lookout stations like this one in a northern Saskatchewan forest will replace people with cameras. (Government of Saskatchewan)

The NDP is fired up over the Saskatchewan government's decision to get rid of the people who look out for forest fires.

Those who work in the elevated lookout posts will be replaced with cameras.

'If that individual was able to slip or something like that, it could be dire consequences.'—Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff

Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff says the move will save money. However, he maintains the primary issue is safety.

"These towers are 80 to 90 feet [24.4 to 27.4 metres] high," Cheveldayoff said Thursday. "There's a safety issue if they're single-manned that if something was to happen, if that individual was able to slip or something like that, it could be dire consequences."

NDP says switch has failed elsewhere

The New Democrat Opposition criticized the move, saying a similar change failed in Australia.

However, Cheveldayoff said lookout posts using cameras are working in Oregon.

When the switch is made from people to cameras 38 seasonal workers will lose their jobs.